Lophotis gindiana
The Buff-crested Bustard (Lophotis gindiana) is a captivating, medium-sized bustard endemic to East Africa, known for its cryptic coloration and striking display flights. Measuring approximately 50-60 cm (20-24 in) in length and weighing between 0.8 and 1.2 kg, this species sports a distinct sandy-buff and brown mottled back, contrasting sharply with a pure black belly. Its most iconic feature is a prominent, often black-tipped, buffy-white crest that can be raised in display, giving the bird...
Inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, open savanna with scattered shrubs and acacia trees, and lightly wooded thornbush country. Typically found at elevations up to 1,500-2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on insects, including grasshoppers, locusts, beetles, termites, and ants. Supplements its diet with seeds, berries, flowers, and occasionally small reptiles like lizards.
Buff-crested Bustards are largely diurnal, most active during the cooler parts of the day, moving stealthily through vegetation. They are primarily ground-dwelling, relying on their superb camouflage to avoid detection, freezing motionless when threatened. Males engage in spectacular courtship di...
The Buff-crested Bustard is a non-migratory resident species found exclusively in Eastern Africa. Its distribution spans arid and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, eastern South Sudan, Kenya, and extends south into northeastern Tanzania. This range encompasses the Horn of...
Least Concern
- The Buff-crested Bustard is famous for its spectacular aerial courtship displays, where the male performs steep dives and ascents high above the savanna. - Despite being a relatively large bird, its mottled plumage provides such effective camouflage that it can be incredibly difficult to spot a...